0
0
Tokyo, Japan — Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in deep tissue imaging and cancer treatment. A new dye developed by the team is capable of strongly absorbing second near-infrared (IR) radiation and converting it into heat, marking a significant advancement in the field of medical imaging and therapy. This development holds great promise for enhancing the effectiveness of photoacoustic imaging, a technique critical for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Led by Associate Professor Masatoshi Ichida, the research team began with a dye from the bile pigment family known as bilatriene. Using a method called N-confusion chemistry, they modified the dye’s molecular structure to accommodate metal ions, successfully incorporating rhodium and iridium into the compound. This unique design allowed the new dye to absorb light at a wavelength of 1600 nanometers, falling within the second near-IR range (1000-1700 nanometers), a region ideal for medical applications due to its minimal absorption by human tissue.
One of the primary challenges in deep tissue imaging and cancer therapies is the limitation of existing contrast agents, which are typically more effective in the first near-IR range (700-1000 nanometers), where tissue scattering reduces the efficiency of light penetration. In contrast, the new dye developed by Ichida’s team demonstrates exceptional photostability, ensuring it remains intact under light exposure and maintains its absorption capabilities for deeper tissue penetration.
The second near-IR region is critical for medical applications because light in this range can travel deeper into biological tissue without significant scattering or absorption. This property is especially beneficial for techniques such as photoacoustic imaging, where light energy injected into the body interacts with contrast agents, generating heat and creating ultrasonic shocks. These signals can then be used for imaging or to directly target cancer cells, applying heat to destroy the malignant tissue.
The new dye’s remarkable absorption properties may allow for clearer imaging, as well as more efficient energy delivery for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, the stability of the compound ensures that the dye can withstand multiple uses, opening the door to new, non-invasive cancer treatments.
“This breakthrough could revolutionize how we approach deep tissue therapies and imaging,” said Professor Ichida. “Our new dye has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy of cancer diagnostics and the precision of therapies like photoacoustic imaging.”
This work, supported by several Japanese research grants, represents a major step forward in both medical imaging and cancer therapy. The researchers hope that their findings will inspire further exploration of second near-IR dyes and their application in chemical catalysis as well as in medicine.
Disclaimer: The research mentioned above is in its early stages, and further clinical testing is required to assess the practical applications of this dye in human medical treatments. While the results are promising, they do not yet guarantee widespread availability or effectiveness in clinical settings.
